A Day at the Races
Few events rank as high on our collective social calendars as a day at the races. But what to wear? Christo Valentyn seeks advice from some of South Africa’s top fashion designers.
Whether you are attending a race like the J&B Met or L’Ormarins Queens Plate for the horses, or to be seen by – and as – the who’s who of South Africa’s thriving social scene, a day at the races offers an unrivalled opportunity to showcase your personality among like-minded individuals.
Dressing up in your most glamorous or outrageous gown for these events is not a new phenomenon. In fact, during the early 1900s at the start of the haute couture movement in Paris, Parisian designers frequently used horse races to debut important new fashions, with several models attending the races to show off the latest trends.
See and Be Seen
Not much has changed these days, says up and coming couturier Anel Botha, who has won several awards for her striking outfits which regularly appear at South Africa’s most popular horse races. “Historically, horse races were events held by the wealthy, not only to see who owned the fastest horse, but as a form of entertainment,” she says. “Wives would traditionally accompany their husbands and, in the process, developed a little competition of their own: Who looks the best?”
“Large hats, the latest imported silk, the most flattering frock and the newest pair of shoes was what you had to be seen in,” Anel continues. “In recent years the ‘Best Dressed’ has evolved to the ‘most noticeable’ and as such, striking fabrics, bold and intricate designs and elaborate hats or fascinators are the order of the day. I think the popularity of dressing to the nines for horse races is largely due to it just being so much fun, and fun is good for the soul!”
Legendary South African designer Simon Rademan agrees. “Life is depressing enough as it is, and people need places to go where they can be free to do as they like,” he says. “The days when ‘dressing up’ distinguished the rich from the poor, have long gone. At an event like this, ‘The Rich’ and ‘The Poor’ can pretend to be anything they want to be, without the risk of being ridiculed.”
For most fashion designers, the opportunity to create an outfit that would satisfy a customer’s flight of fancy poses quite a thrill – a blank canvas, if you will. But not all designers would necessarily jump at the opportunity fill that canvas with the utmost flamboyance.
Take Marianne Fassler, undoubtedly one of South African fashion’s most celebrated designers. “If the truth be known, I think the people who ‘dress up’ for races look like real idiots,” she says, tongue in cheek. “The [J&B] Met is in January, the hottest month of the year in Cape Town, and it is bright daylight until about 21h00,” she elaborates. “By the time you have had some champagne and walked around the course, your make-up is melting and your ostrich feathers and frills are wilting!”
Top Tips
As such, it’s best to be as cool as possible, says Marianne. And in more ways than one. “Keep it simple, wear a great hat and show your legs… if they are long and toned. I would also keep as far away as possible from men in cheap suits wearing funny top hats or couples dressed to kill,” she says. “What I do know, is that the best dressed people at these events never win any prizes, nor do they get photographed or trashed at the after party.”
Simon Rademan agrees. “I would always go the elegant, classy and distinguished route, because to me it is all about self respect in public,” he says. “Do absolutely anything you want, as long as you get from this experience what you want,” he adds. “Go classy and stylish, or go costume, go funny or go completely ‘Gaga’, but try to find some common ground with the theme and let your personality soar!”
Anel Botha offers some more practical advice. “The colour of your outfit needs to suit your skin tone, hair and eyes, but importantly, avoid the main sponsors’ colours, as you don’t want to be mistaken as advertising,” she laughs.
“A short dress is more practical, considering the large amount of walking on the day,” she adds, “as well as to avoid embarrassingly dirty hems and trains. If you are planning on wearing an outrageous, Lady Gaga-ish hat, keep the dress simple, and vice versa. Balance is important!”
As for the gentleman accompanying you, Anel suggests a toned down approach. “There’s nothing more attractive than a man who is well groomed and adorned in a full suit,” she beams. “However, be careful to not be a male replica of your partner’s design, as subtle similarities are more acceptable.”
It would seem that the feathers certainly do make the bird, especially when planning a day at the races.
Design Digits
- Simon Rademan’s studio is located in Pretoria. For an appointment, contact +27 12 460 5106.
- Marianne Fassler’s studio is located in Johannesburg. For an appointment, contact +27 11 646 8387.
- Anel Botha Couture has studios in Johannesburg and Klerksdorp. For an appointment, contact +27 72 435 5351.
Story by Christo Valentyn
